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How much does a solar system cost?
Total cost depends on the system size, equipment and
installation type.
Are
incentives or rebates available for solar?
The California Center for Sustainable Energy has a cash
rebate, and the federal government has a 30% Investment
Tax Credit, which help to offset a large portion of
the initial investment.
Is
now a good time to buy a solar system?
There has never been a better time to make the transition
to solar power! Solar technology continues to improve
and many federal, State and regional incentives are
currently in place that significantly reduces the cost
of solar and encourage growth in the industry. However
these won't last forever. By investing in solar now
you will help to insulate your home or business from
rapidly increasing energy costs.
Is
solar electricity cost-effective?
Yes. Imagine the cost benefit of paying a lower electric
bill, or no electric bill at all. Solar is a low-risk,
high return investment that will supply your home or
business with free electricity for years after the system
is paid for. We will analyze your specific electric
usage and calculate exactly what your return on investment
will be and how much you will save over the life of
the system.
Will
solar panels damage my roof?
It's certainly an important question and an issue we
do not take lightly here at Cosmic Solar. Despite being
an amazing investment and a stellar step towards eliminating
energy bills while becoming energy independent, could
the installation of solar panels potentially cause harm
to my roof?
The
short answer is a reassuring "no." In fact,
a solar array, when properly installed by the professionals
at Cosmic Solar, could potentially reduce harm to your
roof.
Though surprising, consider these facts about a Cosmic
Solar installation:
Bahram
Shadzi, our president and licensed general contractor,
will personally perform an inspection of your roof to
ensure the structural integrity is sound and your roof
will safely house the panels.
Solar panels block sunrays that are harmful to your
roof. Therefore our solar array helps to preserve the
roof beneath the panels by blocking the sun's damaging
ultraviolet
light. Your roof, as well as your attic space, will
be significantly cooler.
Our roof mounting supports are properly secured in the
wooden rafters on your roof, then flashed where necessary
and fully sealed with a special polyurethane 50-year
roofing adhesive, eliminating the possibility of any
leaking.
All
materials used are stainless steel and aluminum to prevent
corrosion.
Every Cosmic Solar installation is guaranteed for a
full 10 years. Therefore, any issue whatsoever with
your roof or with the solar system will be addressed
in a timely manner at no charge to you.
In the event your roof needs replacing in the future,
disassembling and reassembling our systems is possible.
Additionally, the system can be moved to a new house
if desired.
How
long does it take to realize a 100% investment return?
If you finance your system, you may realize net savings
as early as the first year. Instead of paying your monthly
utility bill, you will be making loan payments for your
solar PV system. You will effectively be paying less
for your loan than you currently pay the electric company.
A typical payback is around 6 years. Your exact payback
period will depend on your electrical usage, electric
rate schedule, and cost of your system. Also, as utility
rates continue to increase, your return on investment
will also increase.
What
financing options are available for solar power?
There are several ways to finance a solar power system.
These include:
1. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
2. Secured loans
3. Home Equity line of credit
4. Unsecured Loans
Many families are paying for their solar systems from
their retirement funds. Any taxes that are charged when
that fund is cashed in is considered as income tax,
so the federal solar tax credit can be applied.
What size system do I need?
Our engineer will design a solar system based on your
electrical usage. A look at your previous year's electric
bills will give us the information we need to size your
system correctly. Your system can be sized to zero out
your electric bill completely, or designed to eliminate
the higher tiers of your electric usage, which are much
more expensive.
How long does it take to install the system?
The average system takes about one month from start
to completion. This included system design, registration
for rebates, obtaining proper permits, and the actual
installation.
What kind of permits do I need to meet local building
codes?
Solar systems must be permitted and inspected by local
authorities having jurisdiction. Cosmic Solar, Inc.
is committed to ensuring each system meets or exceeds
building codes. Our team obtains all the necessary building
and electrical permits for the systems we build.
How
does Solar help the environment?
The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy. It shines
every day whether you harness it's power or not. Other
sources of energy need to be extracted from the earth
at great expense and damage to our environment from
toxins. Energy generated from solar is clean, renewable,
and sustainable.
Is
solar financially feasible for me?
Installing a solar system is investing in an electric
generating plant on your roof, or ground rack. It is
like having your own small business with a monthly return.
Once you install a solar system you no longer have an
electric bill, and that money can be used to purchase
your system, and eventually be cash in your pocket.
Give your roof a day job!
How
do I know when I can use electricity with solar?
Your Photo Voltaic solar system is connected to your
electric utility's grid. They charge about $5 a month
for this service. You can use your electricity any time
you need it. If your system is generating extra electricity
it will be stored on the grid, and your electric meter
will spin backwards. At night when you use electricity
it will be provided for you from the grid.
Solar customers have a separate billing called Net Metering.
Solar customers get a monthly statement in the mail,
but only make a payment once a year. At the end of the
year, it will be balanced out, depending on your solar
production. If the production is higher than the usage,
your electric utility company will actually pay you
for the excess electricity you have produced.
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